What are the growing conditions for lavender? Read this one article to understand
When it comes to lavender, what comes to most people's minds is probably that vast lavender field in Provence. In fact, lavender is also grown in quite a few places in our country. So what are its growing conditions?
What are the growing conditions for lavender?
1. Soil conditions
Lavender has a well-developed root system and by nature prefers deep, loose, well-aerated, fertile soil rich in silica and calcium. Soil that is strongly acidic or alkaline, as well as plots that are heavy in clay, poorly drained, or have a high groundwater table, are all unsuitable for planting.
2. Temperature conditions
Lavender is highly adaptable. Mature plants tolerate both low temperatures and high temperatures, and during the harvest season they can withstand high temperatures of around 40°C. In the Huanglong area of Shaanxi, lavender plants overwinter safely in the open field at -21°C; in the Xinjiang region, with soil mounding treatment and snow cover, they can withstand low temperatures of -37°C. Seedlings can tolerate low temperatures of -10°C.
3. Water conditions
Lavender is a plant that by nature prefers dryness and needs little water, with an annual rainfall of 600-800mm being relatively suitable. During the greening stage and the bud stage, the plants grow relatively fast and need more water; during the flowering stage they need less water; during the seed-setting stage the water amount should be appropriate; during the winter dormant period, winter irrigation or snow cover is needed. Therefore, the ideal rainfall distribution over the year is abundant in spring, moderate in summer, and sufficient snow in winter.
4. Light conditions
Lavender is a long-day plant and requires sufficient sunlight during its growth and development period, requiring more than 2000h of sunshine hours throughout the year. If the plants are in a dark and damp environment, they will develop poorly and age relatively quickly.
5. Fertilization
For fertilization, bone meal can be placed in the potting soil as a base fertilizer (used once every three months); for small seedlings, Hyponex No. 2 (20--20--20) can be applied, and after the plants mature, fertilizers higher in phosphorus such as Hyponex No. 3 (20-30-20) can be applied. Apply diluted fertilizer.